Wow, I love Kiri Baga, she's so wonderful! I think she just cemented herself as my favorite U.S. junior ladies skater. She has such wonderful presentation, lines, stretch, big solid smooth jumps, musicality, spins, spirals, and that precious "it" factor! She's going to help the U.S. be well-positioned for Sochi, along with the skaters 2 or 3 years older than her (Mirai & Caroline will be 19, Rachael 20, Ashley 21).

I think she must have gotten high positive GOE's for all of her elements, and high levels for all the spins and spirals. I loved the footwork out of the 3S-2T (which was so big and smooth!), it was musical and expressive and it looked like she was launching straight into her step sequence, but no, it was just bonus transition footwork into her combo spin. And that 3F was so solid and had such great flow and no hesitation at all -- she definitely doesn't let it show that it's only the second competition that she's using it. She's just so delightful. I can't stop gushing. A very well deserved 58 for her SP!

Oh, yes, good point. I can see the resemblance, too. Although I think Kiri skates with a "softer" style than Sasha, and also has better edging than Sasha did at that age. Also, Kiri has more intricate footwork and choreography, but that may be more a function of the judging system having changed than anything else.

Is Tugby(?) the reason Turkey is broadcasting all sorts of skating events including this obscure JGP event?

I'm sure having a senior skater at top level of competition helps with the popularity of the sport. But Turkey also has three entries in this JGP event! I've also heard that skating was often shown on Turkish TV even before Tugby caught on international attention. Is that true?

Oh, I feel really bad for the Indian girl. She looked petrified when she came on the ice, and worse when she got off... and shell-shocked when she saw her score. 4.07 for TES and 7.07 for PCS. Minus 1 for the fall. Yikes. Can she even do doubles? Why did India send someone so unprepared, even for "experience"? I hope this experience doesn't discourage her too much!

I'm sure having a senior skater at top level of competition helps with the popularity of the sport. But Turkey also has three entries in this JGP event! I've also heard that skating was often shown on Turkish TV even before Tugby caught on international attention. Is that true?

yes,it is true European Champ,World Champ,Olympics was always shown on TV (TRT),but sometimes they don't show "live" because of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey's coverage.